In 2024, the value of gold has skyrocketed, marking a significant increase in gold futures by 14.49% since the beginning of the year. Reaching new heights, the price per ounce hit an all-time high recently, with a noteworthy climb since early March to its current value of $2,346.33 per ounce (as of April 15).
The upward trajectory of gold was evident in 2023, witnessing an 11-year high in gold investing as institutional investors turned to gold amidst persistent inflation and endeavors to control it through high-interest rates. So, what factors are driving this surge in gold prices? And is it a prudent time to invest in gold? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Understanding the Surge
Alex Ebkarian, COO and co-founder of Allegiance Gold, attributes gold’s price surge to a blend of economic and geopolitical factors such as escalating inflation, a declining dollar, and ongoing geopolitical tensions. He also highlights the increased activity of central banks, particularly led by BRICS Plus nations, in purchasing gold as a significant factor.
Michael Ashley Schulman, CFA and partner at Running Point Capital Advisors, suggests that the expectation of multiple interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve in 2024 might have contributed to the rising gold prices. Lower interest rates tend to weaken the dollar, making gold relatively more valuable. Schulman emphasizes that gold’s upward trend and new highs are partly speculative, banking on the anticipation of Fed rate cuts and a weakening dollar.
Investing in Gold
Amidst the soaring prices, the question arises: should investors buy gold now? Joe Cavatoni, market strategist, North America, at the World Gold Council, foresees continued strength in gold due to various factors. Historical data indicates favorable performance of gold following Fed rate cuts, suggesting potential opportunities for investors.
Ebkarian underscores gold’s historical performance, noting its significant appreciation over the past two decades, making it a compelling long-term investment and portfolio diversifier.
Considerations for Gold Investors
While gold is often viewed as a safe haven, it’s important to acknowledge its volatility, especially in the short term. Unlike income-producing assets, gold relies solely on price appreciation for returns. Additionally, historical data shows that gold may underperform compared to the stock market over extended periods.
Attempting to time the market may prove futile, given the multitude of economic and geopolitical factors influencing gold prices. Hence, investing in gold for its intrinsic benefits beyond price appreciation is advisable.
The Verdict
Gold’s attributes as a hedge against inflation and a safe haven asset make it a valuable consideration for investors. However, experts advise allocating no more than 10% of one’s portfolio to gold and consulting a financial advisor to align investments with long-term financial goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the surge in gold prices in 2024 reflects a complex interplay of economic and geopolitical factors, with experts pointing to inflationary pressures and anticipated interest rate cuts as primary drivers. While gold presents opportunities for investors seeking a hedge against inflation and portfolio diversification, caution is warranted due to its inherent volatility. The consensus among experts suggests that while investing in gold can be prudent, it should be approached with careful consideration and guidance from financial advisors, with allocations limited to a small portion of one’s portfolio.